Luke 5:5

KJV

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Simon {G4613} answering {G611} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Master {G1988}, we have toiled {G2872} all {G3650}{G1223} the night {G3571}, and have taken {G2983} nothing {G3762}: nevertheless {G1161} at {G1909} thy {G4675} word {G4487} I will let down {G5465} the net {G1350}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shim`on answered, "We've worked hard all night long, Rabbi, and haven't caught a thing! But if you say so, I'll let down the nets."

Berean Standard Bible

“Master,” Simon replied, “we have worked hard all night without catching anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.”

American Standard Version

And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all night, and took nothing: but at thy word I will let down the nets.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 5:5 captures a pivotal moment in the early ministry of Jesus, illustrating Simon Peter's initial resistance rooted in professional experience, followed by a profound act of faith and obedience to Jesus's seemingly counter-intuitive command. This verse serves as the hinge between Peter's fruitless toil and the subsequent miraculous catch, fundamentally shaping his understanding of Jesus's authority and preparing him for a life of discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the broader narrative of Jesus's burgeoning ministry by the Sea of Galilee. Immediately preceding it, Jesus has been teaching large crowds, eventually stepping into Simon's boat to use it as a platform [Luke 5:1-3](/luke/5-1-3 "Luke 5:1-3 - Jesus Teaches from Peter's Boat"). Having concluded His teaching, Jesus then issues a direct command to Simon in [Luke 5:4](/luke/5-4 "Luke 5:4 - Jesus Commands Peter to Launch Out"), instructing him to "launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught." Peter's response in [Luke 5:5](/luke/5-5 "Luke 5:5 - Peter's Obedience") is therefore a direct reply to this specific instruction, setting the stage for the miraculous catch that follows in [Luke 5:6-7](/luke/5-6-7 "Luke 5:6-7 - The Miraculous Catch") and Peter's subsequent overwhelming response and call to discipleship in [Luke 5:8-11](/luke/5-8-11 "Luke 5:8-11 - Peter's Confession and Call"). The narrative emphasizes the contrast between human effort and divine power, leading to a transformative encounter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Gennesaret, a hub of fishing activity in ancient Israel. Fishing was a demanding and often unpredictable profession, requiring skill, experience, and perseverance. Fishermen like Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John were seasoned professionals who understood the nuances of the lake, the best times to fish (often at night), and the optimal locations. Their statement, "we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing," reflects the common reality of their arduous labor and the frustration of an unsuccessful night. For Jesus, a carpenter by trade, to instruct a professional fisherman on how and where to fish would have been culturally unusual, highlighting the extraordinary nature of His authority and Peter's willingness to defer to it, despite his own expertise and the seemingly illogical command.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 5:5 powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Obedience Despite Circumstance**, as Peter chooses to trust Jesus's word over his own professional judgment and the empirical evidence of a fruitless night. This echoes the biblical principle of trusting in God's wisdom rather than human understanding, as articulated in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord"). Secondly, the passage underscores the **Divine Authority of Jesus**. Peter's address to Jesus as "Master" (epistates) signifies a recognition of Jesus's unique command and power over natural circumstances, a theme consistently demonstrated throughout Jesus's ministry. Thirdly, this event serves as a crucial **Preparation for Discipleship**. The miraculous catch, a direct result of Peter's obedience, profoundly impacts him and his partners, leading directly to Jesus's call for them to become "fishers of men" [Luke 5:10](/luke/5-10 "Luke 5:10 - Jesus Calls Peter to be a Fisher of Men"). This transformation from professional fishermen to apostles illustrates the radical reorientation of life that genuine encounter with Jesus brings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Master (Greek, _epistátēs'_):** From G1988, this term signifies "an appointee over, i.e. commander (teacher)." It is a unique term used exclusively in Luke's Gospel by the disciples when addressing Jesus, often in contexts where Jesus demonstrates His authority over natural forces or illness. Peter's use of "Master" here indicates a recognition of Jesus's superior authority and leadership, distinguishing Him from a mere teacher (didaskalos) or a general lord (kyrios). It implies a deference to His instructions, even when they contradict Peter's professional judgment and experience.
* **toiled (Greek, _kopiáō'_):** From G2872, meaning "to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard." This word vividly describes the intense physical exertion and weariness that Peter and his companions experienced throughout the entire night of fishing. It emphasizes the futility of their efforts, underscoring that their professional skills and strenuous labor had yielded absolutely "nothing." This highlights the human limitation and the stark contrast with the divine power that is about to be demonstrated.
* **word (Greek, _rhēma'_):** From G4487, referring to "an utterance (individually, collectively or specially); by implication, a matter or topic." In this context, _rhēma_ refers to a specific, authoritative command or utterance from Jesus. It is not merely a suggestion or a piece of advice, but a divine directive that Peter chooses to obey. The power of this "word" is central to the miracle that follows, demonstrating that God's spoken word carries inherent creative and transformative power, capable of overriding natural laws and human limitations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Simon answering said unto him, Master":** This opening phrase establishes Peter's respectful but direct address to Jesus. His use of "Master" (epistates) signals a recognition of Jesus's authority, even before the miraculous outcome. It indicates a willingness to engage with Jesus's command on a level beyond mere casual conversation, acknowledging His position of command.
* **"we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing":** This clause provides the immediate context and Peter's professional assessment of the situation. It highlights the extensive, exhausting, and utterly fruitless labor of the fishermen. This statement is not necessarily an expression of doubt, but a factual report of their complete lack of success, emphasizing the human impossibility of the task Jesus is commanding. It underscores the contrast between their experienced futility and Jesus's unexpected instruction.
* **"nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net":** This is the pivotal clause, demonstrating Peter's profound act of faith and obedience. The word "nevertheless" (G1161, _dé_) serves as a strong adversative, marking a decisive pivot from Peter's professional judgment to his submission to Jesus's authority. Despite the logical and experiential objections, Peter chooses to act solely "at thy word," demonstrating a nascent but powerful trust in Jesus's command. This act of obedience, against all human reason, sets the stage for the miraculous demonstration of God's power.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 5:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. **Contrast** is central, juxtaposing Peter's experienced futility ("toiled all the night, and have taken nothing") with Jesus's authoritative command and the subsequent miraculous abundance. This highlights the chasm between human limitation and divine power. **Irony** is also present, as a professional fisherman, exhausted and unsuccessful, is instructed by a carpenter to perform his own trade, yet it is the carpenter's word that brings success. This reversal of expectations underscores Jesus's unique authority. Furthermore, the phrase "taken nothing" functions as a form of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute and complete lack of success, making the subsequent miracle all the more astounding. Finally, the entire event serves as **foreshadowing**, hinting at Peter's future role as a "fisher of men" and the abundant spiritual harvest that would result from obedience to Jesus's commission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 5:5 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of faith, obedience, and divine authority. It reveals that God's ways often transcend human logic, experience, and capability. Peter's willingness to obey despite his professional judgment teaches us that true success in God's kingdom is not predicated on our expertise or effort alone, but on our submission to Christ's sovereign word. This encounter demonstrates Jesus's authority not only over the natural world but also over human will and destiny, preparing Peter for a life of radical discipleship. It underscores the principle that when human efforts fail, divine intervention is possible through obedient faith, leading to blessings far beyond what we could achieve on our own.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [John 2:5](/john/2-5 "John 2:5 - Mary's Instruction to the Servants at Cana")
* [John 21:6](/john/21-6 "John 21:6 - The Miraculous Catch After Jesus's Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 5:5 offers a timeless challenge for believers today: to surrender our perceived expertise, our logical conclusions, and our past failures to the superior wisdom and authority of Jesus Christ. In a world that often values self-reliance and empirical evidence, Peter's example calls us to a radical trust in God's word, even when it seems counter-intuitive or impossible from our human perspective. Whether in our careers, relationships, personal struggles, or ministry endeavors, we often "toil all the night" and "take nothing." This verse reminds us that true breakthroughs and divine blessings often come not from more strenuous effort in our own strength, but from a humble, obedient step of faith, saying, "nevertheless at thy word I will." It encourages us to identify areas where we are relying on our own understanding and to consciously choose to "let down the net" in obedience to Christ's commands, trusting that His word will bring forth fruit where our efforts have failed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I currently "toiling all the night" without success, relying on my own strength or wisdom?**
* **What "word" or command from Jesus, perhaps seemingly illogical, is He calling me to obey today?**
* **How does Peter's example encourage me to step out in faith even when circumstances or past failures suggest otherwise?**
* **What specific "net" do I need to "let down at His word" in my current situation, trusting Him for the outcome?**

### FAQ
**Why did Peter, a seasoned fisherman, initially hesitate or express doubt?**

Answer: Peter's statement, "we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing," was not necessarily an expression of doubt in Jesus's power, but rather a realistic assessment based on his extensive professional experience and the immediate, exhausting reality of a fruitless night. As a seasoned fisherman, he knew the best times and places to fish, and the night had yielded nothing. For a carpenter (Jesus) to then instruct him to go back out into the deep in broad daylight, after such a failure, would have seemed illogical and contrary to all his professional knowledge. His "nevertheless at thy word" highlights the profound shift from his logical, experiential understanding to an act of faith and submission to Jesus's unique authority, which he was beginning to perceive.

**What is the significance of Peter calling Jesus "Master" (epistates)?**

Answer: The term "Master" translates the Greek word _epistátēs_ (G1988), which is unique to Luke's Gospel and is used exclusively by the disciples when addressing Jesus. Unlike _didaskalos_ (teacher) or _kyrios_ (Lord), _epistátēs_ implies a recognition of Jesus as a superintendent, commander, or one who stands over others with authority. It suggests a deeper level of deference and submission, acknowledging Jesus's right to command and direct, even in practical matters. Peter's use of this term here is significant because it indicates a burgeoning understanding of Jesus's unique authority, which allows him to obey a command that contradicts his professional judgment, setting the stage for the miraculous catch and his subsequent call to become a "fisher of men" [Luke 5:10](/luke/5-10 "Luke 5:10 - Jesus Calls Peter to be a Fisher of Men").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 5:5, while a specific historical event, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader redemptive work of Jesus. Peter's fruitless toil mirrors humanity's inherent inability to achieve spiritual life or righteousness through its own efforts, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - By the Law No One is Justified"). Just as Peter's nets remained empty despite his best efforts, so too are our lives empty of true purpose and eternal life apart from Christ. Jesus's authoritative "word" that brings about the miraculous catch foreshadows His divine power to bring spiritual life and abundance where there was only spiritual death and emptiness. He is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), whose very utterance brings creation into being [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks Light into Existence") and raises the dead [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus"). The call to be "fishers of men" [Luke 5:10](/luke/5-10 "Luke 5:10 - Jesus Calls Peter to be a Fisher of Men") is the Great Commission, fulfilled through the power of the resurrected Christ, enabling His followers to gather a harvest of souls for His kingdom [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"). Peter's obedience, leading to an overflowing catch, symbolizes the spiritual abundance and transformation that come when we submit our lives to the [Lordship of Jesus Christ](/acts/2:36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ"), who alone can fill our empty nets and give us a new, eternal purpose.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 2:5

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Luke 6:46

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Luke 6:48

He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

2 Kings 5:10

And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

2 Kings 5:14

Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Psalms 127:1

¶ A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain.